Allergic Rhinitis & Hayfever

Allergic rhinitis is a common medical condition where inflammation of the nose, sinuses and eyes occur due to an allergic reaction to certain substances. Typical triggers include grass, tree or flower pollen (hayfever), dust mites, pets and mould spores. When an individual inhales these triggers, the immune system overreacts leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal obstruction, watery eyes and itchiness in the nose and eyes.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis the exclusion of other problems in the nose such as rhinosinusitis and includes avoidance of allergens (tricky with pollen or pets!) or medical treatment including steroid sprays, antihistamine sprays or antihistamine tablets. These act to reduce the body’s response to allergens but are typically only effective while taken regularly. In some cases, immunotherapy can be offered, which is a long term medical treatment to reduce the allergic response permanently.